It’s been a busy and chaotic year so far. I can’t believe it’s already July and that Summer is almost halfway over. It really feels like I’ve blinked and missed it all. So many exceptions to this year have caused an unusual lifestyle for me - I have three sisters all engaged, all getting married this year…within 6 months of each other. Naturally, they all live in LA (where I’m from), and I’m in all the wedding parties. Anyone who has been part of one knows the…commitment they require on an emotional / physical / financial level. So, I’ve been traveling a lot, to say the very least. July is the first month I will not travel to LA since March.

This 2016 lifestyle of mine has led me to understand certain things about my myself. I could never be the kind of person who travels all the time and is never home (no matter how many amazing things I could see). I am incredibly introverted (more than I thought I was) and require a substantial amount of alone time. Especially these days, there’s nothing I want more than to have no plans, to wake up early, to cook my meals leisurely and off the cuff. With all the socializing and traveling, I’m craving aloneness and in a similar realm - slowness, which I can say I almost never want. I’ve always been the high-energy/high-intensity type who only has one speed. But this shakeup of my schedule and lack of control (my usual nemesis), is causing me to turn the dial down a bit.

This salad came out of one of those moments. A Saturday with no plans, a ton of vegetables and an appetite. I spent my time, slowing down - leisurely making pesto, slicing radishes, etc. These are the moments when cooking feels like everything to me. Those slow weekends when I’m alone in my kitchen - it’s what my soul requires. So, maybe this salad seems like a lot of steps: pickling, processing, cooking, chopping, but for me - the longer it takes, the better. It’s a weekend recipe - meant to be prepared with no timeliness at all and savoring each and every step. It’s an ode to cooking - not just because it feeds you (and often tastes good) - but that there’s something else happening. I believe, something magical.

In a saucepan, bring 1 cup quinoa and 2 cups of salted water to a boil. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Then set aside to cool. In another saucepan, add lentils with enough water to cover by 2-3 inches (salt the water, too). Bring to a boil, then simmer (covered) about 20-25 minutes or until tender. Drain and rinse. Set aside to cool.

For pickled radishes: In a pint-sized jar, add radishes, fennel fronds, mustard and coriander seeds. In a small saucepan, bring apple cider vinegar, water, maple syrup, salt and pepper to a boil. Once liquid just boils, carefully pour into the jar, making sure radishes are completely covered in brine. Cover and set on the counter to cool. Once it’s cooled, store in the fridge. They will be “ready” to eat in about an hour.

For Pesto: In a food processor, add pumpkin seeds, garlic, lemon (juice & zest) and parmigiano. Process until desired consistency (I like mine more on the pureed side). Then add salt, pepper and arugula. Pulse until entire mixture is green and arugula is well-combined. While the processor is running, stream in about 1/4-1/3 cup olive oil or until desired texture. Set aside.

Add cauliflower to a food processor and pulse until it resembles rice (you can use the same one as the pesto). Add to a large mixing bowl with grated zucchini, dates, scallion, and arugula. Toss together with quinoa, lentils and arugula. Season with salt, pepper and lemon juice (to taste). Toss together to make sure salad is well-combined.

To serve, top each plate with a generous dollop of pesto and pickled radishes. For some extra decadence, add a drizzle of olive oil, but you don’t totally need it. Serve immediately or save for later (the leftovers were still great on day 3).

Cauliflower is Broccoli's forgotten cousin. Only lately have people begin to bat an eye at this cruciferous vegetable. Besides being delicious, cauliflower has some magical properties that allow it to become grain-free pizza crust and "rice" to name a few. This recipe, however, uses no gimmicks - just pure cauliflower goodness.

This is my new favorite Winter recipe that adds a little brightness to an otherwise cold & dreary season. If you can find some colored cauliflower, all the better ;)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Add cauliflower to a large baking sheet with olive oil, marjoram, sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until browned and tender. Add to serving bowl & set aside.

Add butter to a cast iron or sauté pan over medium low heat. Add the zest of one lemon. Sauté until zest is fragrant, then add garlic and leeks. Stir often over low heat until leeks are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add golden raisins until warm, then remove mixture and add to serving bowl.

Using the same pan, turn the heat up to medium and add pine nuts. Stir often for about 1-2 minutes or until pine nuts are browned and toasted. Remove from heat and add to serving bowl. Toss everything together with the juice of one lemon. Top with chopped parsley and season to taste. Serve immediately!

In a food processor, pulse cauliflower until pureed the size of rice. Add to a large mixing bowl. Use a paper towel to press cauliflower well and remove any moisture. Then, add almond flour, thyme, sea salt and freshly ground pepper; mix. Fold in beaten eggs until mixture is well combined. Refrigerate for 20 minutes

While crust is chilling, use the same (cleaned) food processor to make the pesto. First add pistachios and garlic until fine. Pulse together basil, parmesan, lemon juice and zest until gritty. Stream in olive oil while blending until pesto reaches desired consistency. About 1/3-1/2 cup.

Once crust has chilled, add to a parchment-lined (and greased!) baking sheet using your hands to shape. Make sure to form a crust!

Parbake your crust for 25 minutes. Then, remove from oven and begin adding toppings. First layer sliced garlic along the bottom of the crust. Then, cover with sliced mozzarella slabs and a thick layer of pistachio pesto. Top with cherry tomatoes.

Bake for 7-9 minutes or until cheese has melted completely. Then, add oven to broil and return pizza to oven for 3-5 minutes or until bubbly and browned.

Remove from heat and allow pizza to cool. Then, top with prosciutto, baby arugula and shaved parmesan.